OTHL -- There was only one series left to decide in the western conference, and thanks to a rare home win the Chicago Blackhawks avoided a game 7 down in Colorado. Up until tonight the series between Colorado and Chicago had only seen away wins, but tonight that chanced as Mark Bell scored a overtime goal to decide the series and win the game for Chicago at home in the United Center. And as so many times before this season, it was the Hawks special teams that was the deciding factor. Along with strong goaltending from Roman Cechmanek. Chicago killed 8 of 8 penalty killing situations tonight, and went 1 for 3 on there powerplay.
The first period of the game, featured a total of 25 shots. But the fans also got to see two goalies standing on there heads, turning away all 25 shots. Both Cechmanek and Aebischer looked like they could keep the puck out for the rest of the night. However, that turned out to change six minutes into the second period. Tim Connolly (2) got the visitors into the lead. But the lead only lasted for an odd 30 seconds, as Tom Preissing (1) got a pass from Chicago's top scorer Kyle Calder, and Preissing found the mesh behind Aebischer to tie up the hard fought game. Chicago could have lost the game in the second period, as they gave Colorado 4 straight powerplays putting themselfs against the wall. Having to kill of penalites against one of the leagues deadliest powerplay units. But the 1-1 scoreline lasted for the entire period. And despite a massive bombardment on Chicago and Cechmanek in the third, the game was still tied after 60 minutes of hockey.
So the third overtime game was a fact. And unlike the third period, the overtime was all Chicago. Much thanks to a penalty on Erik Cole taken just a minute into the first overtime. Chicago got a good powerplay in position and was able to score the game winner. Tom Preissing tricked everyone by faking a shot, insted getting the puck to Marcus Nilson who onetimed the puck towards the net. But Aebischer showed off his talent as he was able to get in place and save Nilson's onetimer. However, Aebischer was forced to leave a rebound. A rebound witch Mark Bell (2) jumped on, and fired past the sprawling Colorado keeper. The United Center erupted in a standing ovation for the home team, as the number one seed was sent out of the playoffs. Chicago will now take on the 2nd seeded Phoenix Coyotes. In the other matchup, the Detroit Red Wings (3) will face the Vancouver Canucks (4).
PLAYER OF THE NIGHT: Roman Cechmanek (Chicago), with 35 saves Cechmanek saved the Hawks in game 6.
SECOND ROUND MATCHUPS:
Phoenix Coyotes (2) - Chicago Blackhawks (8)
Detroit Red Wings (3) - Vancouver Canucks (4)